Social Work

Interested in Social Work?

Our social work degrees provide you with a sound knowledge of the political, behavioural and social sciences, and equip you with the skills needed to work in a diverse range of fields in social work and human services.

Practical learning is a major focus of these degrees and you will practice hands-on skills in our innovative custom-built Social Work Studios. Using recording equipment and cameras, you will be able to review your work and learn from your experiences. Work placements will also provide valuable practical experience and learning opportunities where you will benefit from the close supervision of experienced practitioners and regular support from the University.

Why UniSA?

Building your career is our business. We are number one in South Australia for research in psychology and social work1, and you will gain real-world experience prior to graduation with local, rural and international field placements.

You’ll be taught by industry professionals. Our academics have a very practical approach to learning, and you’ll work on real projects and get real experience. We’ve also invested millions of dollars in new buildings and facilities, so you’ll use the latest technologies and learn in ultra-modern teaching spaces such as our Social Work Studios.

We’re Australia’s youngest university to receive five stars in research2 and this excellence shines through our teaching. Our people are inspired by challenges and opportunities. We partner with local icons and international industry professionals to focus on real world projects.

Your career

The employment opportunities for social work graduates are excellent and the demand for graduates in Australia is high1, with graduating students quickly finding work in a wide range of fields. Careers to consider:

social worker: work with individuals, families and groups; social workers have a broad understanding of the systems and community factors that influence the needs and conditions of clients

aged care worker: provide personal, physical and emotional support to older people who need assistance with everyday living

correctional services officer: aid in the rehabilitation and counselling of offenders

counsellor: work with individuals and groups to help people overcome problems

disability services officer: provide support for people in the community with intellectual, physical, social and emotional disabilities

social planner: a pivotal role in creating liveable, sustainable communities; social planners create strategic policy to meet the needs and wants of communities

1 Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Global networks

We are a globally connected university, and our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement. Our students have had placements and internships with organisations like:

Department of Child Protection – SA Government

SA Health

Centacare

Industry facts

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Employment for social and welfare professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 19,600 (15.6 per cent) by November 20201.

Living in Adelaide

Ask UniSA

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

Study at UniSA

Hear from Christina as she shares her experiences studying at UniSA and her journey as a Bachelor of Social Work student.

What others are saying

I like that this degree is comprehensive - we’re not just studying about helping people with their social functioning but also about social policies, issues and the implications they might have. It encourages us to put our critical lenses on, which I think is really important.

Rubina Chitrakar

Master of Social Work

Rubina Chitrakar

Master of Social Work

I like the amount of opportunities I have to do meaningful, extra-curricular activities internationally. I have participated in the Hawke Ambassador Program, giving me the opportunity to volunteer for six months with World Vision in Brazil, and I was selected as a Global Voices delegate, allowing me to attend the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York.

Kyle Reeves

Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Arts (International Relations)

Kyle Reeves

Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Arts (International Relations)

After working in the human services sector, I knew I wanted to become a social worker. The highlights of my time at UniSA include the flexible learning options, interactive workshops and my overseas study in Canada.

Christina Handley

Bachelor of Social Work

Christina Handley

Bachelor of Social Work

Why study at UniSA?

As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:

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Accessible, helpful and flexible

We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.

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Graduate success

UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.**QILT: Graduate Destination Survey 2014-2016 Full-time Employment Indicator